brace yourself

today is the big day - the countdown ends, and marlee's braces come off! she's delighted, dreams of chewing gum become a reality!

while she is at the orthodontist, i run back to woodbury to attend a funeral - a dear friend's father who has passed away at the age of ninety. it's hard not to measure oneself, as one listens to the stories about someone who has enjoyed a full life. a man who has worked hard, been a devoted family person, and juggled everything successfully. can we say the same of ourselves? we are in the mid-section of life, the underbelly in a sense ... deep in the trenches. are we 'successful'? are we effective parents, good examples? a lot of thoughts run through my head as i listen to the rabbi, and the testimonies. given the turmoil of late, i'm not so sure -

jane visits the doctor today - she's in great shape (literally!) and he's happy with his 'work' - good news as bikini season arrives (haha!). i'm thinking of pectoral implants myself!

the weather is finally turning, it's pleasant and sunny, and the leaves are starting to unfold on the trees ... rebirth, regeneration, renewal. bracing ourselves for that new beginning ...